The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) on Tuesday cautioned the Federal Government to respect citizens' right to peaceful assembly, amidst plans for a nationwide hunger protest.
The CDD's warning comes as Nigerians prepare to take to the streets to protest the country's worsening food crisis, which has left millions struggling to access basic necessities.
In a statement signed by Dr. Dauda Garuba, Director of CDD-West Africa, the think tank noted that the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental principle of democracy, and any attempt to stifle it would undermine the country's democratic progress.
The think tank expressed concern over the government's response to previous protests, noting that several leaders and political figures have sought to discourage peaceful protests and associate the movements with negative connotations.
The CDD also called on leaders of the various activist groups and movements to ensure that their protests are well-planned and coordinated, and urged security agencies to provide safe support for citizens exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
Furthermore, the CDD emphasized that a strong two-way exchange between leaders and citizens is essential for addressing the country's challenges, and that the government has a responsibility to set an example of robust dialogue and peaceful citizen engagement.
The CDD reaffirmed its commitment to providing platforms for dialogue and robust citizens' participation, and expressed hope that with the right interventions, the country's challenges would soon be a thing of the past.
The statement read, "The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) notes with concern the threats and other overhanded responses to the planned nationwide protests across Nigeria. This think tank calls on the Nigerian government to respect citizens' right to peaceful assembly. By upholding citizens' right to protest, the government can ensure a peaceful two-way exchange by listening to the voices of, and feedback from citizens.
"CDD reaffirms that a fundamental principle of democracy is the right to protest - and this is a legitimate and democratic right of the citizens of any country. However, it is disheartening to see many leaders seeking to further shrink the civic space by calling on young Nigerians not to make their voices heard.
"The Nigerian State therefore has a responsibility, as the region’s largest democracy and the current chair of the regional bloc, to set an example of robust dialogue and peaceful citizen engagement. While noting the right to protest, we also call on leaders of the various activist groups and movements going out to protest, to ensure that these structures are well-planned and coordinated.
"Ultimately, the rights of protesters must be protected and respected as stated in the laws of the land. CDD hopes that with the right interventions, that this difficult period will soon be a thing of the past."
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